Revolver shooting tips

[mr.trooper]

I just got back from the range with my S&W 19-5, 6" .357. Iv been shooting auto pistols for a few years, and I have been neglecting my revolvers.

I was planning on using it for Deer hunting this year, instead of my shotgun. I figured i would need some time to adjust to shooting revolvers after so long, but i was really surprised at how poor my accuracy was.

The first thing i noticed was that i was shooting high. about 2" high @ 25 yards. I double and triple checked my sight picture, I was mindful of my trigger pull, and still they tended to shoot a few inches high of my point of aim.

Secondly, I noticed a lot of fliers. commonly, my first two or three shots would be very close, and then my next three would be high. I though that maybe i was anticipating recoil, so i tried some 38's and took my time; checking my grip and trigger pull along the way. Even then It still persisted. I couldn't get more than 2 shots on target before they started drifting. Iv been shooting this revolver off and on for a few years, and iv never had a problem with flinching or anticipating recoil.

@ 25 yards, my groups varied from 3-5" for a 6 shot group. I had to work hard for those 3" groups!

I'm using the same weaver grip and stance i was taught for pistols... but thats not a very practical hunting stance?

Does anyone have suggestions on proper grip and trigger pull for the revolver? I would like to shrink my groups down a little bit before November, or i may have to stick with my slug gun.

 

[BADUNAME37]

Are you using reloaded (accurately-loaded) ammo or factory?

If factory, try other factory to see if the gun likes that better.:banghead:

 

[mr.trooper]

I was using some no-name target loads, and some Remington UMC.

Target loads were SWC, and the Remingtons were load round nose. Both had the same issues.

 

[BADUNAME37]

I take it you are not reloading.

If not, try another brand, just for the heck of it.

I hold a revolver with my main hand on the grip, finger on the trigger. I use my non-main (left for me) hand kind of with the palm up and the butt of the revolver into my left palm. My non-main (left) fingers are wrapped around the back of my right hand. My left thumb is somewhere touching the left side of the grip (no fingers ahead of the cyliner, as I have a 500 and I don't feel like having a cut in my flesh).

I have my (non-main) left palm up a bit more than this following picture illustrates:

http://www.handgunsmag.com/tactics_training/HGgrip_0925C.jpg

 

[DMZ]

When I hunted with a handgun (.44 Mag), I sighted in and practiced from a sitting position, supporting my weak forearm with my left knee. This was the position I would either be in or assume when firing at a deer. This gave me a good, steady sight picture, and lowered my profile.

2" high @25 yards should put you on target @ ~ 75 yards, depending on the bullet and it's speed.

A 3" group @ 25 yards is not really bad. Figure a 6" group @ 50 yards. I am not sure I would take a shot with a .357 much beyond 50 yards with open sights, but that is just me and my old eyes.

Oh yeah, I hold my revolver just as illustrated by Inspector, above.

 

[scrat]

on my big guns i use the same two hand hold except on your left hand. Then top finger i extend it and put it just below the cylinder but behind it. if you go grab a gun and do that you will see for some reason it stops any wandering of the gun and gives you a better aim. think because the way the hold is the gun almost wants to go naturally left. when you put one finger on or in front of the trigger guard it evens it out and makes it rock steady. guys go grab a gun out and try aiming it then put your finger there you will see what i mean

 

[WheelgunZealot]

Could you be riding the recoil? You normally use the Weaver stance? I usually find the Isosceles stance to be more consistent from day-to-day. The recoil also tends to destabilize my stance when the weapon is away from my body's centerline.

How are you holding the weapon? You may be used to holding a pistol and are having trouble getting a consistent grip.

 

[BADUNAME37]

My hold....

OK, I took a picture of my holding with my main (right) hand, with the left palm in place against the butt:

Then, a picture showing how my left hand is wrapped tightly around my right:

Remember, this is a 500 Magnum, so the grip and butt are a bit larger than a 357, however, I tend to hold all revolvers the same way (I don't know if it's correct, it is just the way I've done it for tens of thousands of rounds).

I guess, compared to the B&W photo I posted earlier, my hold is close. Like I stated in that post, I tend to put the butt into my left hand so my left hand is taking a lot of the recoil -- along with my right hand.

I hold a semi-automatic pistol somewhat differently than this as the recoil is usually less and I must be aware of the slide not hitting my hands.

 

[Gadget]

Try moving the web of your right hand higher on the frame of the revolver. The "shoulder" of the grip may work better a littler lower in your paw.

 

[BADUNAME37]

I tried that. I read about that a while ago and it just doesn't feel right for me. It feels like my hand is too high on the gun.

 

[scrat]

inspector that grip is good on my smaller



framed guns i cant hold my big guy like that. for one my left thumb cant be placed correctly otherwise it will get jammed. i will post some in a minute my son just got home to take the pics

let me post some big guns

 

[BADUNAME37]

Well, someone else started the thread, now maybe I'll learn something!

I'm never too old to learn.

I'll check back tomorrow. It's beddy-bye time for this guy.

 

[scrat]

at 4 1/2lbs empty 16 inches long this is how i hold the beast

first grip same as yours


notice still takes 2 hands to hold it steady to take a stupid pic

2nd shot left thumb behind other as the gun is too big to put the thumb behind the top. Left finger goes on the trigger guard it really helps on keeping it steady



full view of the gun. notice my thumb does not reach the back of the gun all the way.


next to a 1 foot ruler

 

[scrat]

I'll check back tomorrow. It's beddy-bye time for this guy.

its only 630

 

[Shawnee]

Maybe a silly question but are you trying to shoot double-action or single-action ?

Single-action is better for hunting simply because the first shot is likely to be more accurate.

 

[scrat]

That is so true. unless you stop and take the time on a double action. You naturally have to on a single action as you have to pull the trigger back again.

 

[mr.trooper]

Yea, I normally use Weaver grip. Iv tried Isosceles, but it just doesn't fit for me. The exaggerated "plow handle" factory grips keep slipping in my hand. My hand starts riding up the grip as I shoot.

inspector; nice gun! Iv had the pleasure of touching off a 500 magnum before. WOW!

The first few shot were more accurate in the single action groups...but overall, id say the TOTAL group size of my double action groups were smaller. :/

I think a better set of grips would help a lot.

 

[WheelgunZealot]

If your grip changes as you shoot your groups will never be as consistent as they could be.

 

[scrat]

Take a look at my pics the 2nd pic try putting your finger there. while aiming at first you will notice you can aim no problem but its just not that steady. Then you put the finger there and its rock solid. On large frame guns this helps a lot

 

[Sport45]

You could try shooting from a rest to see if it's the gun/ammo or if it's you.

BTW, if I shot 3" groups offhand at 25 yards I'd be very, very, happy.

 

[plexreticle]

You could try shooting from a rest to see if it's the gun/ammo or if it's you.

BTW, if I shot 3" groups offhand at 25 yards I'd be very, very, happy.

lol, I read the OP and was thinking, um... what's the problem now?

 

[BADUNAME37]

I agree with the single action comment. I don't think I've ever fired that beast double action. It might take my head off!

LOL

Scrat, thanks for the pics! I can see there are other ways to hold a revolver! I'll have to try your way!
By the way, Scrat, is that a black powder gun, what is it? It's kind of hard to tell what it is. I don't know a whole lot about the different guns and how they all look.

 

[Shawnee]

From the name you chose and the description of your training/practice it sounds like most of your training/practice has been via some form of LEO agency. And if you are shooting 3"-5" grouips at 25yds. - double-action from an unsupported offhand position you certainly have the handgun prowess to hunt deer with your .357. All you need to do is think out how shooting deer is different than LEO-style shooting.

Shooting deer with handguns (esp. .357 level) is about placing the first shot with precision (as in PRECISION). C.O.M. thinking has to be expunged.
So one has to think of as many ways to contribute to that precision as possible.
Think "barricade" shooting. Hunt with the idea that you will position yourself to have a tree trunk or deadfall limb or something that you can use to steady the gun. Some handgunners carry shooting sticks. Also think of support for your body as well as your weapon. A deadfall can provide both as well as break up your outline and thus is a good place to stop or "stand".
Think shooting single-action - precision placement of the FIRST shot (as in ONE, as in 1, as in UNO). If any follow-up shots are necessary you want them to be at a deer lying in the spot where you first shot it.
Think range segments (like archers do). Know where your gun hits at 20yds., 40yds., 60yds., and 80yds. And think of limiting your shots to 50-60yds., at least until you've had a chance to build your "positioning" technique.
Think "no bullseye", ie. no nice round target. Pay closest attention to lateral shot dispertion. The general target area on a deer is usually much larger top-to-bottom than it is side-to-side. That "broadside" shot doesn't come along all that often. Without a scope, a deer "head-on" at 80yds. is not as wide as your front sight. And you will see deer in every imaginable position EXCEPT the pretty broadside picture in the books.
Think "point of shoulder" shot placement. Yes, a shot through the lungs will kill the deer but it will likely run and then you may or may not find it. And a shot to the ribs doesn't always mean a major hit in the lungs. At an angle it could miss the lungs entirely and that's called a gut shot.
Think "pass up shots". If it doesn't look like an easy shot - pass it up.


Again, it sounds like you're bringing a goodly amount of skill and talent to the party and your main task is determining how to apply those assets to meet shooting requirements that simply differ from what you are used to.

Good luck to you !

 

[mr.trooper]

Thanks Shawnee! For the record, I do have professional training (Trainer for the local Sheriffs department gives private lessons), and a good number of my personal friends are with the sheriffs department, but I'm not a LEO myself: my moniker is an old Sub Space handle that I had for years, and it just stuck.

I did some scouting a few weeks back, and I was planning to conceal myself under a tree at the intersection of a pair of game trails; one trail leads to a lake, and the other to a corn field. Under brush in our area is fairly think, so any shots would certainly be under 50 yards.

Iv got no problem passing up any shot thats not a good one. I would feel more comfortable hunting with my revolver if i could get my groups to be a bit more consistent. I guess Ill just have to practice more.

when the day comes, what ammunition do you recommend? The local shop stocks Federal Fusion and Hornady Lever-Evolution in .357, so thats what I can get locally. Id rather no have to order anything special.

 

[BADUNAME37]

when the day comes, what ammunition do you recommend? The local shop stocks Federal Fusion and Hornady Lever-Evolution in .357, so thats what I can get locally. Id rather no have to order anything special.

Any ammo that the gun "likes." There should be ammo that shoots tighter than all the others. You may want to shoot off a rest (blocks of wood with a piece of carpet on top work). I don't like to use my leather bag rest with a revolver because the gases will tear it open.

Shooting off a rest will show you what the gun and loads are cabable of. After you know which cartridges the gun likes (the ones that shoot the tightest groups), then you can work on holding and shooting a decent group with those loads.

Bear in mind that different loads will most likely have different points of impact. Once you find the sweet load for your gun, sight it in for that load, then just buy those cartridges from now on when you need to be accurate.

Both of those cartridges you mentioned look good for deer hunting. Try both and buy more of the ones the gun likes best!